To break in to Hollywood as a script writer is very tough; equally as difficult as trying to get that first book published, if not worse. However, a compelling and engaging script will increase any writer’s chance of breaking into the elusive Hollywood.
Develop a Story Plan
While the formatting of a script is fundamentally different than the formatting of a book, when it comes to putting the story into words, the story structure, plot and character arc is just as important in a script as it is in a book.
The story plan is the foundation of the story structure. Without it, the story would not blossom. There needs to be an idea. In order to get that idea out of the head and onto paper, there needs to be a story plan.
Here are some things to consider when writing a story plan:
- What is the setting?
- Where and when does the story take place?
- Who are the protagonists and who are the antagonists?
- What does the main character hope to achieve?
- -What are the challenges that the main character faces, and how is he or she going to work around them? This is where the opposing characters or other forces come into play.
- How will the story end? Will there be any major conflict resolution and will the main character achieve the goal he or she set out to accomplish. Of course, when writing the story plan, the ending will be tentative because as the story moves forward it is quite likely the ending will change.
Create a Treatment
In Hollywood terms, a treatment is another word for outline. An outline is a roadmap of what is going to happen in the story.
Here are some things to consider when writing the treatment:
- A detailed character profile written in first point of view. This is an excellent way to get to know the main and supporting characters and to develop their unique personalities.
- A detailed synopsis that entails story direction, plot building and character arc. The synopsis can be as long as needed.
- A screenwriter could also write a scene-by-scene plot outline, listing all the main points of what will happen throughout the story.
The Three Act Structure
Like a fiction book, a script always has a beginning, middle and end. The three act structure is used primarily in film scripts and it is always developed in the treatment.
Since each page equates to one minute of screen shooting, film scripts generally amount to 100 to 120 pages. This is the standard length of a film script. A script less than 100 pages will suggest to a film producer that the story is poorly developed. At the same time, a script longer than 120 pages will be thought of as cumbersome and boring.
So, screenwriters should develop a three act structure in the treatment after the story plan, character profile and synopsis is complete. In a 120 page script, the first act should be no longer than 30 pages. An inciting incident should occur in the first few pages of the first act. This incident should be significant enough to set the story on an upward climax.
Act II takes up half of the script, which is about 60 pages. The story at this point should be full of action and conflict. In Act III, the story reaches a climax and then comes to an ending. Act III should be no longer than 30 pages.
The story structure serves as the foundation of the story in a film script, just as it does in a fiction book. Once it is organized and completed, the story will flow much easier, providing for superb character and plot development.
Further Reading
Check out the website, Film Script Writing. It contains script writing tips, advice and resources for aspiring scriptwriters.
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